Loch Ness Monster: A Cryptid History

The Loch Ness Monster is a creature that has been known to live in the deep waters of the Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. The Loch Ness Monster or Nessie, as it has been adorably nicknamed by many, is classified as a cryptid or a creature that has been suggested but not yet scientifically documented. But although the Loch Ness Monster is not yet documented or studied by the mainstream scientific community, numerous sightings as well as videos and photographs have surfaced in an attempt to prove that Nessie actually does exists.

A brief history

It was in the 6th century that the earliest accounts of sightings of the Loch Ness Monster were ever reported. In the Life of Saint Columbia by Adomnan, the author described that Saint Columbia was at the Picts along with companions when he witnessed the burial of a man that was believed to be attacked by a “water beast.” Saint Columbia sent one of his followers to swim in the river and there was actually a beast in the water that came to attack the man. The saint made the sign of the Cross and commanded the water beast to return to the water; the beast was said to obey the saint and everyone praised God because of the miracle.

Sightings in 1933

The year 1933 was an important year in the legend of the Loch Ness Monster since this was the year when actual sightings of the beast were reported.George Spicer, along with his wife reported seeing an “extraordinary form of animal.” The animal was said to cross the road near their car; the couple described the monster as having a huge body which was around 1.2 meters high and 7.6 meters long. The description also particularly mentioned that the beast had a long and narrow neck comparable to an elephant’s trunk but was longer about 10 to 12 feet long. One of the most unusual thing that the Spicers noted was that there were no limbs. It was also in 1933 when Arthur Grant, a motorcyclist saw a small head which was attached to a very long neck. It also crossed the road just about the same time Grant was riding his motorcycle on a moonlit night near the Loch.

Sonar contacts of Nessie

The fishing boat Rival III had a sonar reading of what the crew would believe was the Loch Ness Monster in 1954. The readings were from a large object which was riding along the boat in a depth of approx 480 feet. A possible sonar image of Nessie was also captured in 2011 by a local Loch Ness skipper named Marcus Atkinson. Just like the earlier Rival sonar contact the large object was also reportedly following the boat this time at a depth of approx 75 feet.

“2011 Nessie sonar image”

Nessie’s photographs

The picture taken by Hugh Gray in 1933 was believed to be the earliest image of the monster but the photo taken by Dr. Wilson, a surgeon, was possibly the most popular. The photo was allegedly the neck and the head of the lake monster. The photo has since been debunked as a hoax although some believers still hold faithful. It is now believed that the alleged photo of was nothing but a toy submarine with a sculpted head.

“Surgeon’s Photo”

Latest Loch Ness Monster sightings

The legend of Nessie still holds till today after countless photographs, videos, and personal testimonials have been reported and published over the years. It was reported on April 2014 by Andrew Dixon that he saw the monster via AppleMaps. However, many skeptics believe there is a simple explanation for the photo and it is simply the wake of a boat and not the beastie.

What could Nessie be

Skeptics believe that the Loch Ness Monster is nothing more that a compilation of elaborate hoaxes and folklore that has continued over the years. Others believe that the sightings of the creature are nothing more then common misidentifications of more common animals or objects found in the Loch. But believers disagree and hold true to the possibility that Nessie is some yet undiscovered creature or perhaps a Plesiosaur that found a way to adapt and avoid extinction. Will we ever know the truth as to if this extraordinary creature actually exists or not ? Only time will tell as the search continues.

Get the latest Loch Ness Monster sightings and reports at Cryptosightings HERE.